New Releases by Jessie Haas

In March 1775, fifteen year old Fanny Montresor of Westminster, NY, stepdaughter of hated Loyalist Crean Brush, is horrified to discover that her parents plan to marry her off to a stranger if war breaks out-and local rebels are planning to occupy the courthouse, a protest that could shatter the fragile peace. Fanny owes her life to her stepmother Margaret, and her loyalty to both parents, but does she owe them this much? If the outlaw Ethan Allen would take an interest, trouble might be averted, but he is miles away and an enemy of the family. Fanny's attempt to head off violence is thwarted by Margaret's rousing speech to the sheriff. The posse attacks the unarmed protesters, retaking the courthouse and badly wounding a man; as government officials mock his dying groans, out on the dark roads, horsemen ride to alert local militias. By the next day the street seethes with armed men eager for revenge. The war is at Fanny's doorstep. Against this terrifying backdrop, she negotiates for what freedom she can find amid the crushing imperatives of family and political necessity. Eight years later, widowed and masking her pain with a lively wit, Fanny returns with Margaret to Westminster, now part of Vermont, only to find that they share a lawyer with the revolutionary hero Ethan Allen, who hates Loyalists. But Fanny knows Allen well through his writings, which gives her an advantage when they finally meet. Their attraction seems mutual despite the political mismatch, but with one disastrous marriage behind her, Fanny is wary, and Allen seems to have reservations of his own. Hewing closely to historical facts and peopled with historical figures, this novel gives an up-close, woman-centered view of the Westminster Massacre, long known by Vermonters as the first bloodshed of the American Revolution.

In this horse adventure perfect for fans of Black Beauty, a Connemara pony is pampered and beloved, then abused and neglected, until twelve-year-old Rae brings love to her again. Princess lives a charmed life of brown sugar cubes, crunchy apples, sweet grass, and adoration. But it is a lonely life; her elderly owner keeps Princess separate from other ponies so his show-ring champion will remain pristine. When Princess's owner has a stroke, she is thrust into the care of an unscrupulous trainer and his wife, who steal from the farm and leave. Abandoned to starve with other, tougher ponies, Princess is bereft of all hope. Meanwhile, a girl named Rae wants a pony more than anything and is striving to make her unrealistic dream a reality. Rae and Princess need each other, though neither realizes this when they eventually meet. Rae must learn to see beyond Princess's scars and Princess must learn to trust again in order for them both to find their own hidden strengths and a home in each other.

In this coming-of-age story perfect for horse fans, twelve-year-old animal lover Joni clashes with her new neighbor and animal rights activist Chess. Their bumpy friendship reaches a crisis when Chess stages an impulsive animal rescue, and Joni must act fast to save the animals' lives. Shy Joni loves her family's Vermont sheep farm and her strong-willed horse, Archie. When ebullient Chess moves nearby, Joni is drawn to her big personality. However, Chess's opinions on animal rights, global warming, and responsible farming soon have Joni both questioning and defending her family's farm. But when Chess steals miniature horses from their neighbor to "rescue" them, Joni is challenged to find the courage to stand up to Chess. In this complex tale of bridging differences and finding your own voice, two friends nearly break their friendship before they can begin to rebuild it.

This text deciphers the ways in which equines communicate and interact with humans and each other.

James MacLiesh shocks his conventional parents when he chooses to work with horses instead of going to college—can he make it happen? Bucking his parents—and tradition—seventeen-year-old James MacLiesh decides he wants to be a horse trainer. When he arrives at his cousins’ farm, James enters a world completely different from that of his privileged, boarding-school upbringing. Not quite prepared for the rambling, ramshackle old house, he knows he made the right decision the minute he goes into the barn. The horses are magnificent. Ghazal, an obedient if aloof white stallion, is to be James’s first training project. But first, James has to re-train himself. Taking place over four seasons and filled with appealing characters—James’s uncle Tom and second cousin Gloria, and a riding student named Jennifer Bascomb—Working Trot is about following your dreams and sticking to them no matter what.

A Golden Kite Honor Book: A boy grieving the loss of his dog meets a man who can transform the lives of animals—and people Chad Holloway feels estranged from his entire family. His tantrum-throwing older sister, Julia, and baby brother, Sky, drive him crazy. His parents don’t understand him at all. And ever since his grandfather shot Chad’s dog Shep, they haven’t been speaking to each other, even though Jeep says it was a mercy killing. Queenie, the new puppy Jeep bought to make amends, will never replace Shep. Not even close. Chad has no idea how he’s going to get through this summer. Then he meets his new neighbor. David Burton is a shaper—a dog trainer who changes animals’ behavior using positive reinforcement. He hires Chad as his assistant and suddenly, things start to happen. Chad uses Queenie as a guinea pig to try out David’s techniques. Except Chad starts to feel like he’s the one being shaped. And he really likes David’s daughter Louise, a dancer who’s a year older than Chad. They’re helping him to heal and believe in life’s wonderful possibilities. Will he be able to forgive his grandfather and find a place in his eccentric family?

Named to the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award Master List: A fifteen-year-old copes with a parent’s imminent death by nurturing two orphaned kittens in the New England countryside Philip Johnson has recently moved with his mother and terminally ill father from his beloved midwestern farm to a New England suburb. He works part time at the local clinic, where he helps the vet put down sick or abandoned animals. What he really wants is to save them, the way he did the endangered greyhound he found a home for with his friend Kris. When a litter of discarded kittens are scheduled to be euthanized, he rescues them—only this time, there’s no one to take them in. Hiding the kittens from his family, Philip brings them to an abandoned cottage in the woods. He starts cutting classes to care for them, determined to keep them alive as winter approaches. A novel about a kid who feels alienated from his family, his new community, and most of all, himself, Skipping School is about finding hope and never giving up, even in the face of insurmountable odds.

From award-winning author Jessie Haas, nine interconnected tales about kids and their love of animals In “The Wake,” fifteen-year-old Kris tries to comfort her great-aunt Mil, who is grief stricken over the death of Puttins, her old cat and longtime companion. With her grave, golden-brown eyes and long, graceful paws, “The Greyhound” is almost human . . . and Kris’s friend Phillip is determined to save this special, endangered dog. Even if her father doesn’t understand her love of animals, Kris realizes that your “Extended Family” can be as big as you want it to be, including cherished pets and not just your (sometimes unlovable) blood ties. “Horse Man” is James MacLiesh, who believes he was “bred to ride,” just as horses were “bred to be ridden.” And in the title story, James is torn between loyalty to his faithful horse Robbie and his dreams of glory with a sleek, majestic steed named Avatar. Everything changes when horse and rider get lost and James has to depend on Robbie, whose ancient animal understanding lights the trail home and leads them to a surprising destination. These and the other stories in this collection illuminate the powerful, enduring bond between animals and people.

In the sequel to Keeping Barney, Sarah’s finally going to get her own horse, but there are too many to choose from—and she wants one just like Barney With his broad chest, round rump, and short legs, Barney looks more like a Shetland pony than a big half-Morgan. And his coat is as woolly as a bear’s. But thirteen-year-old Sarah loves him to pieces. Caring for him while his owner, Missy, was away at college took work, but eventually, she and the gelding bonded. Now Sarah’s folks have promised her a horse of her very own. But Sarah’s dad is writing his second novel, her mom is busy tutoring, and Sarah’s best friend, Jill, is stuck babysitting. Facing a long, boring summer, Sarah is thrilled when Missy volunteers to help her look for her dream horse. Sarah wants a Morgan just like Barney. Eventually, she narrows it down to two: powerful, spirited Roy or lovable old Thunder, who’s bound for the auction block if nobody buys him. Which one should she choose?

Named to the Bluebonnet Award and Mark Twain Award Master Lists: Cole isn’t happy about his great-uncle coming to live with his family . . . until Daney’s in danger of losing his beloved horse Cole Tatro has never met his great-uncle Daney. But after he’s injured in a logging accident, he comes to live with Cole’s family on their Vermont farm. Cole isn’t sure how he’s going to feel about having a stranger around all the time. Then he meets Daney’s horse, Nip. A big red workhorse with a tousled blond mane and a sleepy face, Nip is the pride of Daney’s life. Except Daney no longer has a job. Cole’s parents work hard—his dad at a paper mill and his mom sewing doll dresses at a local factory—but they aren’t sure they have the money to take care of Nip. That’s when Daney comes up with the perfect solution. But he’ll need Cole’s help to carry it out. Uncle Daney’s Way is a story of grit, determination, and one family’s ingenuity in the face of hardship.

A Publishers Weekly Best Book and Parents Choice Gold Award: Following her mother’s death, a thirteen-year-old has to adjust to life on a farm—and tame a wild young colt It’s 1910, and Harriet Gibson, orphaned by the death of her mother in a horse-and-buggy accident, is sent to live on a relative’s hillside Vermont farm with her two-year-old colt. Grieving her loss, Harry now has to adjust to a new life and make new friends. And Aunt Sarah is a harsh taskmaster. Desperate to get away from her stern, domineering aunt, Harry decides to break in her untrained young Morgan so she can ride the seven miles to her new school. But an accident will force Harry to adapt once more as she makes surprising discoveries about her aunt . . . and a family secret comes to light. This is a stunning novel about love, loss, and blood ties—and about how even when the heart is shattered, the human spirit remains unbroken.

Based on real-life events, a gripping historical novel from award-winning young adult author Jessie Haas To Sue Gorham, life in Westminster West isn’t fair, not at all. It isn’t fair that she has to do most of the backbreaking chores on their Vermont farm while her sister, Clare, gets to take exotic vacations with their wealthy aunt. It all started when Clare, who’s a year older than Sue, got sick. That was three years ago. Now, Clare is a chronic invalid too fragile to leave the house. One day Sue finds a diary in the attic, written by her father after he came home from the Civil War. After reading it, Sue suddenly falls ill. The sisters switch places as Sue becomes bedridden and Clare takes over her chores. That is, until the arsonist who’s been burning barns in their close-knit parish community strikes again—and this time, it’s the Gorham farm. Based on real-life incidents in the author’s hometown, Westminster West vividly recreates rural life during the 1800s as it tells a moving and intriguing story of family, community, and sibling rivalry. This ebook features a map and a historical afterword from the author.

A Child Study Association of America Book of the Year: Lily’s beloved horse Beware is sick—can Lily save her? Something’s wrong with Beware. Lily knows the minute she spies the mare standing under the trees, the way Beware does in summer to get away from the heat. But today there’s no shade beneath the bare branches, and it’s freezing out. When Lily calls for her, Beware doesn’t come trotting over. She doesn’t move, even when Lily offers her an apple core. She isn’t injured, because Lily can’t find any cuts or bruises on her. But when Lily tells her to walk, Beware’s back legs buckle and she nearly falls down! Beware is sick, but she has no fever and is still eating a little bit. The vet makes a diagnosis, but the treatments don’t help. Surgery may be the only answer. But it’s expensive—and dangerous. Will Beware survive? Lily needs more than hopes and prayers—she needs a miracle: Somehow, she has to find a way to save her.

A VOYA Poetry Pick: Award-winning author Jessie Haas takes readers on a ride back in time to celebrate the special bond between horses and humans “We have all been changed by the horse, for better and worse.” —Jessie Haas Jessie Haas travels back sixty-five million years—from 5000 BCE to the present day—in 104 poems about our equine friends. Horses have shared some of the most significant moments in human history. In these lyrical and poignant pieces—some written from the horse’s point of view—readers will meet chariot racers, knights’ steeds, horse whisperers, even Pegasus, the winged horse. In one moving poem, a compassionate colt befriends a lonely man; in another, a starving soldier shares a meal with his mount. Whether it’s the thundering herd of Genghis Khan or a Dutch farmer shielding his horse from the Nazis, these transportive free-verse poems reveal how horses have influenced and enriched our lives. Hoofprints is an awe-inspiring journey through history as we gallop alongside horse and rider and experience “the mid-air moment” when “everything may yet / turn out all right.” This ebook includes a bibliography and a glossary of equine terminology.

Named to the Sequoyah Award Master List: Experienced rider Lily is ready for a real horse—will Beware the mare bring her good or bad luck? The bright-eyed bay mare in the truck looks very small. Lily’s grandfather brought her home to their Vermont farm as a present for Lily. She’s shaggy, her mane is tangled, and she looks as if she hasn’t been brushed in a long time. To Lily, she’s beautiful. But Lily has to solve the mystery of her name. Why is she called Beware? And why did Gramp get her so cheap? Is something wrong with her? Lily can’t imagine what—she’s already crazy about the little bay. The test will be when Lily takes her out for her first ride. What will happen then? This charming story of a girl and her pony will capture the hearts of horse-crazy young readers everywhere.

Westminster is the oldest town in Vermont, and its history is visible down every street. Vermont itself was born here, when the first blood of the American Revolution was shed during the Westminster Massacre and it separated from New York. Westminster declined in political importance during the nineteenth century, but its agricultural heritage bloomed as residents exported everything from beef to vegetables to Christmas wreaths. Despite its small size, Westminster also boasts unique neighborhoods with their own vibrant cultures, including Westminster Village, Gageville and Westminster West. From brilliant inventors and the co-founder of the Oneida Community to a Miss Vermont, an Oscar-winning actress and Vermont's eighty-first governor, the famous sons and daughters of Westminster have left their marks on the state and the nation. Celebrated local author Jessie Haas and the Westminster Historical Society showcase what makes Westminster such an amazing and quintessentially Vermont community.

The Battles of Lexington and Concord have long been considered the beginning of the American Revolution. However, Vermonters know that the first blood was actually shed in Westminster in March 1775. Over a month before Lexington and Concord, Westminster Whigs endured an attack from their own Loyalist sheriff and his men that left two dead. In response, the county rose in revolt in what became known as the Westminster Massacre. This bloody event set the stage for Vermont's separation from New York and its position as a mainstay of American independence throughout the entire war. Jessie Haas and the Westminster Historical Society vividly retell the story of the real first battle of the American Revolution and Windham County's important role throughout the war.

The only thing twins Fran and Kiera have ever agreed on is thatit would be wonderful to own a pony -- a pony they could gallop and leap over jumps. One day their father brings them Jigsaw, a Shetland pony who needs a new family. Jigsaw is the perfect pony. He can do anything -- even fit himself into Dad's station wagon for the ride home. But with Jigsaw comes trouble. The more Fran and Kiera like something, the harder it is for them to share. And they love Jigsaw. Worse, Jigsaw won't gallop far and he won't leap more than a couple of jumps. Is something wrong with the way the twins ride? Or is something wrong with Jigsaw?

When Radish the pony grows too big for the girls who own him, he goes to live at a horse camp where there are always new children for him to train.

Moving through the alphabet, a girl ponders the many different kinds of horses she will have when she gets older, from Appaloosa to zebra.

Radish is a feisty pony--and the best teacher Judy has ever had. He teaches her how to ride, and how to go fast and far, and even how to fall off. But most of all, he teaches her to be patient. And when Judy outgrows him, he teaches Nina all the same things, and most of all, how to be brave. But girls grow, and ponies stay the same size. What will Radish do with no one to bully--and to teach? It takes his running away for Judy and Nina to find the perfect solution, one that keeps Radish from being outgrown ever again!

Spending the summer with her strong-willed politician grandmother, fourteen-year-old Mad achieves breakthroughs in both her horseback riding and her Scottish dancing and begins to develop the self-confidence she has always lacked.

A young girl helps her grandparents get the hay in before a rainstorm ruins the crop.

Nora and Gramp are collecting sap from maple trees to make maple syrup. The horses, Bonnie and Stella, are working hard, too, pulling the heavy sap tank through the snow from tree to tree. This third story about Nora and her grandparents brings the beautyof a Vermont farm in early spring vividly to life.